Discussions for a highly anticipated boxing match between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have encountered significant obstacles, primarily stemming from tax implications and a dispute over the venue. The fight, which has been in talks for over a decade, is currently facing a tug-of-war between staging it in the United Kingdom or the United States.
Venue and Tax Discrepancies
Recent reports indicate that a deal was close to being finalized for a bout at Madison Square Garden in New York on November 20. However, Joshua's team reportedly considered withdrawing from the entire event due to concerns over the proposed US venue. A key factor in this dispute is the tax burden. While a UK venue would incur approximately a 20% tax rate for non-resident fighters, staging the fight in the US could lead to a withholding tax of around 30%.
With both Joshua and Fury expected to earn around $100 million each, the difference in net earnings due to US taxes could amount to approximately $10 million. This substantial financial difference has become a major sticking point for Joshua's team, who view it as a significant reduction from the terms they initially agreed to. Fury and his promoter have not publicly voiced similar tax concerns.
Shifting Venue Demands
Joshua's team had previously agreed to contract terms stipulating a UK venue. The shift towards a New York location was reportedly influenced by the broadcaster, Netflix, seeking a schedule more favorable to American viewing hours. This move has been met with strong disapproval from UK-based promoters, including Eddie Hearn, who has described the potential relocation as a "disgrace."
While discussions have reportedly reopened for Wembley Stadium in London, the final decision remains uncertain. Powerbrokers such as Netflix and Saudi organizers Sela, led by Turki Alalshikh, hold significant influence over the fight's progression. Alalshikh previously indicated efforts to bring the fight to London, though sources suggest these overtures may have been performative, with formal requests to London officials made later than initially implied.
A Long Road to the Ring
The protracted negotiations highlight the long-standing challenges in finalizing a fight between Fury and Joshua. The initial discussions for this bout date back nearly 12 years, with numerous hurdles and delays preventing the two undefeated fighters from ever stepping into the ring together. The current impasse, fueled by financial considerations and logistical demands, adds another chapter to the ongoing saga of one of boxing's most anticipated, yet elusive, matchups.